We have a serious debate in our house every Friday night: Pizza or Burgers? It’s the ultimate weekend dilemma. But last week, Max suggested we "just smash them together," and honestly, it was a stroke of genius. This Pizza Burger Pie is the answer to our indecision; a thick, golden deep-dish crust filled with savory seasoned ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and an obscene amount of melted cheese and pepperoni. It’s hearty, messy, and totally delicious.
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Why You Will Love This Pizza Burger Pie
You will love this recipe because it combines the comfort of a homemade meat pie with the fun flavors of a pepperoni pizza. It’s incredibly easy to throw together using store-bought dough, making it a quick weeknight win. The layers of juicy burger meat and gooey mozzarella create a slice that is substantial and satisfying, while the fresh basil on top makes it feel like a gourmet deep-dish treat.
How To Make Pizza Burger Pie
This recipe is all about the layers. We start by pressing pizza dough into a deep pie dish or cast-iron skillet to create a "bowl" for our filling. We brown savory ground beef with garlic and onion to create the "burger" base layer. Then, we pile on the pizza sauce, a mountain of mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni slices. After a trip to the oven, it emerges bubbly, golden, and ready to be sliced like a pie.
Pizza Burger Pie Ingredients
The Base & Filling
- 1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough (classic or thin crust)
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean works best)
- ½ onion; finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce or marinara
The Cheesy Topping
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Pepperoni slices
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter mixed with garlic powder (for brushing the crust)
Step by Step Method
Prep the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or cast-iron skillet.
- Unroll the pizza dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the dish.
- Mom Tip: Poke the bottom of the dough with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much in the middle.
Cook the Burger Layer
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
- Drain the excess grease well (this keeps the bottom crust from getting soggy).
- Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Pie
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the dough in the pie dish.
- Pour the pizza sauce over the meat, spreading it to the edges.
- Top generously with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
Bake
- Brush the exposed edges of the dough with the garlic butter.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown in spots.
Serve
- Let the pie rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing (this helps the layers set).
- Top with fresh basil leaves just before serving.
MAX’S REACTION
"It's a cheeseburger disguised as a pizza! I love the thick crust part, it's like a breadstick attached to my dinner. Can I have the slice with the most pepperoni?"
What Pairs Well With Pizza Burger Pie
Since this dish is heavy on meat and cheese, we like to keep the sides light and fresh. A crisp Caesar salad or a simple garden salad with Italian dressing helps cut through the richness. If you want to lean into the "burger" theme, some air fryer french fries or onion rings are a fun addition.
Pizza Burger Pie Variations
Bacon Cheeseburger
Add cooked chopped bacon to the beef mixture and swap half the mozzarella for sharp cheddar cheese. Top with diced pickles after baking for the full burger experience.
The "Bisquick" Version
If you want an Easy pizza burger pie without rolling dough, mix 1 cup of Bisquick with milk and eggs to create a batter. Pour it over the cooked meat and sauce mixture—the crust will magically rise to the top while baking!
Supreme Style
Sauté green peppers and mushrooms with the onion and beef for a veggie-loaded filling.
Keto Friendly
Skip the crust entirely for a Keto pizza burger pie. Bake the meat, sauce, and cheese in a casserole dish and eat it with a spoon (or use a low-carb almond flour crust).
Equipment
- 9-inch Pie Dish (glass or ceramic) or Cast Iron Skillet
- Large Skillet (for browning meat)
- Spatula
- Pastry brush
- Mom Tip: A deep-dish pie plate is essential here so the cheese doesn't bubble over onto the bottom of your oven.
Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes. Microwaving works, but the crust will lose its crunch and get chewy.
Make Ahead
You can brown the meat and onions a day in advance. Store the mixture in the fridge. Assemble the pie right before you preheat the oven.
Top Tips for Best Pizza Burger Pie
The most important step is draining the grease from the ground beef. Since the meat sits directly on the dough, excess oil will make the bottom crust soggy and unappetizing. Also, don't skip the resting time! Slicing into it the second it comes out of the oven will cause the filling to slide out. Give it 10 minutes to set up for that perfect slice.
Pizza Burger Pie Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pie crust instead of pizza dough?
Yes, a standard savory pie crust works great and makes it flakier, more like a pot pie.
Can I freeze this?
Yes, you can freeze the baked pie. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.
Is this the "Original" recipe?
This is very similar to the vintage recipes often found on the back of baking mix boxes, but we've upgraded it with fresh dough and herbs for better texture.
Can I use turkey burger?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works perfectly fine; just add a little extra seasoning since poultry is milder than beef.
A Friday Night Mashup
This Pizza Burger Pie has officially entered our regular rotation because it makes everyone happy. It’s fun, cheesy, and just messy enough to feel like a treat. If you are looking for more comforting family meals, try our warming Stuffed Pepper Soup, the creamy and cozy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup, or indulge in our rich Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna.
Share your Pizza Burger Pie! Tag us @HannahCooking with #PizzaBurgerPie; we’re dying to see your version and hear about your homemade kitchen stories!
⭐️ Rate this Pizza Burger Pie recipe and let us know what twists or ingredients you used!
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Pizza Burger Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Press pizza dough into a greased 9-inch pie dish.
- Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet; drain fat and season with garlic and Italian herbs.
- Spread beef over the dough, top with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni.
- Brush crust edges with melted butter and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
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